Method of anchoring posts

Abstract

A method of ground anchoring a plurality of posts ( 11 ), especially to erect a fence or barrier. The method includes anchoring a first plurality of posts ( 11 ) into the ground, preferably simultaneously, using a plurality of post anchoring stations ( 50 ) located on at least one movable platform ( 10 ) that can be moved along a path, and then anchoring a second plurality of posts ( 11 ), again preferably simultaneously, into the ground using the plurality of post anchoring stations ( 50 ). In preferred forms there are a plurality of movable platforms which may be mechanically and/or wireless linked.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of ground anchoring a plurality of posts, the method comprising:
 anchoring a first plurality of posts into the ground using a plurality of post anchoring stations, the post anchoring stations being located on at least two movable platforms;   moving the at least two movable platforms along a predetermined path; and   anchoring a second plurality of posts into the ground using the plurality of post anchoring stations, wherein:   the at least two movable platforms are operatively connected and aligned along the predetermined path;   of the at least two operatively connected movable platforms an interconnected movable platform is articulated with respect to the other movable platform or platforms; and   each of the at least two movable platforms is a towed trailer.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of posts are anchored substantially simultaneously, and the second plurality of posts are anchored substantially simultaneously. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein
 each said towed trailer comprises a transportable chassis on which is mounted a floor, and on which floor is located one or more of the plurality of post anchoring stations.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein
 a propulsion unit is configured to tow the at least two movable platforms.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 a distance between respective post anchoring stations is independently varied;   a distance between respective post anchoring stations is varied by moving the post anchoring station position on one or more of the at least two movable platforms; or   a distance between respective post anchoring stations is varied by changing the spacing between each or any one or more of the at least two movable platforms.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each post anchoring station comprises a post anchoring mechanism that is independently capable of adjustment such that it can be configured to be operated on either side of a movable platform of the at least two movable platforms; or   each post anchoring station comprises a post anchoring mechanism that is independently capable of adjustment such that it can extend or retract on a substantially horizontal plane perpendicularly from a movable platform of the at least two movable platforms.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 a barrier material is located on, and dispensed from, one or more of the at least two movable platforms;   a barrier material is located on, and dispensed from, a further operatively connected movable platform lacking a post anchoring station;   a barrier material is located on, and dispensed from, one or more of the at least two movable platforms, and the barrier material is connected to mid-strainer posts and/or end strainer posts; or   a barrier material is located on, and dispensed from, a further operatively connected movable platform lacking a post anchoring station, and the barrier material is connected to mid-strainer posts and/or end strainer posts.   
     
     
         8 . A method of erecting a fence, the method comprising:
 anchoring a first plurality of posts into the ground using a plurality of post anchoring stations, the post anchoring stations being located on at least two movable platforms;   moving the at least two movable platforms along a predetermined fence line;   anchoring a second plurality of posts into the ground using the plurality of post anchoring stations;   laying out at least one length of barrier material adjacent the first plurality of posts and adjacent the second plurality of posts, and straining the at least one length of barrier material; and   attaching the at least one length of barrier material to the first plurality of posts and the second plurality of posts, wherein:   the at least two movable platforms are operatively connected and aligned along the predetermined fence line;   of the at least two operatively connected movable platforms an interconnected movable platform is articulated with respect to the other movable platform or platforms; and   each of the at least two movable platforms is a towed trailer.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein
 further operatively connected through a wireless communication system.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein
 such said towed trailer comprises a transportable chassis on which is mounted a floor, and on which floor is located one or more of the plurality of post anchoring stations.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the first plurality of posts are anchored substantially simultaneously, and the second plurality of posts are anchored substantially simultaneously. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the barrier material is located on, and dispensed from, one or more of the at least two movable platforms;   the barrier material is located on, and dispensed from, a further operatively connected movable platform lacking a post anchoring station;   the barrier material is located on, and dispensed from, one or more of the at least two movable platforms, and the barrier material is connected to mid-strainer posts and/or end strainer posts; or   the barrier material is located on, and dispensed from, a further operatively connected movable platform lacking a post anchoring station, and the barrier material is connected to mid-strainer posts and/or end strainer posts.   
     
     
         13 . A multi vehicle train that is used to anchor posts, the multi vehicle train comprising:
 a plurality of operatively connected movable platforms; and   a plurality of post anchoring stations, each post anchoring station comprising a post anchoring mechanism,   wherein:   the plurality of post anchoring stations is located on at least two of the plurality of movable platforms;   the plurality of movable platforms is configured to be aligned along a predetermined path;   of the operatively connected plurality of movable platforms an interconnected movable platform is articulated with respect to other movable platforms; and   each of the at least two platforms of the plurality of movable platforms is a towed trailer.   
     
     
         14 . The multi vehicle train of  claim 13 , wherein one or more of the plurality of movable platforms is used to mount at least one barrier material feeder. 
     
     
         15 . The multi vehicle train of  claim 13 , further comprising a propulsion unit configured to tow the plurality of movable platforms, or one more of the plurality of movable platforms comprises a propulsion unit. 
     
     
         16 . The multi vehicle train of  claim 13 , wherein each said towed trailer comprises a transportable chassis on which is mounted a floor, and on which floor is located one or more of the plurality of post anchoring stations.